Event set to return in 2027
EBS STAFF
It may have been the end of February, but many of Big Sky’s visitors weren’t here to ski as head-turning vehicles overtook local streets last weekend.
FAT International hosted its annual winter motorsports showcase, the F.A.T. Ice Race, at Moonlight Basin on Feb. 27-28. Various classes of custom-built, high-octane cars tested their traction on an icy, slushy course framed by nearby Fan Mountain.
More than 50 vehicles competed, with another 50 on display, alongside hot laps, stunt performances and Red Bull demonstrations, according to a press release. Participants included Don Toliver, Daniel Arsham, Sara Choi, Emelia Hartford and Jeff Zwart, with sponsors including Porsche, Bentley, Nissan and ACG.
A free pre-race event was held Thursday, Feb. 26 at Town Center Plaza, and many vehicles could be spotted around town—some of them parked on sidewalks for display.
“Bringing FAT Ice Race to Montana is super special and Big Sky offers the perfect playground to continue the spirit we built in Zell am See,” stated Ferdi Porsche, founder of FAT International, in the release. “There’s nothing quite like driving incredible cars on a frozen track, embracing the chaos, and celebrating car culture with old and new friends in an environment like this.”
PHOTO GALLERY BY JACK REANEY
The sold-out event brought fans from all over the world to Big Sky for the first time. Combined with ski crowds of late February, the town felt alive and bustling.
Sam Byrne, co-founder and managing partner of CrossHarbor Capital Partners, shared a statement reflecting on the event’s Big Sky debut.
“This first year far exceeded our expectations. With 5,000 to 6,000 people joining us under beautiful bluebird skies, the atmosphere was electric from start to finish,” Byrne stated in an email shared with EBS. “The course stayed in great shape—slushy at times, but that’s part of the fun of ice racing—and drivers adapted impressively. Most of all, people had an incredible time, and Big Sky businesses felt the momentum all weekend long. This event laid a strong foundation, and we’re excited to make the FAT Ice Race even bigger when it returns in 2027.”
